Cycling with angry motorists.....

I've been pretty lucky with regard to experiencing any sort of run-in with motorists while out on the bike. Nothing really ugly - maybe a couple of verbals - like today.

I'm out enjoying a 20 miler, just ambling along quiet lanes enjoying the fair-weather as spring gradually unfurls.  As I make my way down a single-track road I become aware of a vehicle behind me - it seems close... there's repeated revving from the engine. I wonder why he doesn't come past me (assuming it was a 'he') - I think there's room? - In any event it's a downhill stretch, I'm moving at about 20mph, there's nowhere to pull over and in any case there's a junction up ahead, I figure he can get round me there.

As I approach the T-junction I move to the middle of the road and turn right, it's a short, steep climb now - as I step up onto the pedals I'm startled by a long, hard horn blast from whoever it was behind - It's loud! - I glance round and see a Range Rover turning in the other direction at the junction - the window is wound half down and there's a colourful outpouring of invective - I can tell now that it is indeed a man.... or a woman with a very deep voice. In the heat of the moment I could think of no worthwhile reply without resorting to similar obscenities, all I managed to shout back was: 'nice language' - which resulted in a further volley of abuse as the car sped off in the opposite direction.

It's a shame how incidents like this can colour your day after a delightful start and some pleasant miles. What is it with motorists who react like that? I don't think I was doing anything wrong - i was in front, he couldn't get round in that big motor so he had to wait - maybe thirty seconds, probably less - until the junction. If I'd been able to pull over in a suitable spot I would - but as I say, it was a short distance to the junction anyway.

I don't ride round looking for a fight and I can't remember anything like this happening before? - I generally believe that it can be best to let inconsequential instances of other road users' stupidity or carelessness slide - rather than getting revved up into confrontation mode - this pacifism has stood me in good stead over the years I think. After I got home and thought about it, why did he react like that? - why so impatient? - why so angry? - and what had been achieved? Was this driver now going to turn into a homicidal maniac towards cyclists? (maybe he already was?).

Unfortunately motoring these days does not create an environment that rewards courtesy or consideration - drive like a complete idiot and you will get there quicker. Add to that the common pattern of aggressive, mean-spiritedness and over-estimation of driving skills, all combined with a general disregard for just how dangerous a fast-moving tonne of metal really is and the fact that there's a bit of Mr Toad in all of us and you can understand the problem.

Of course, this is not to say that cyclists are any different. There are plenty of people who ride bikes with much the same mentality; it's just that it doesn't usually affect anyone else - and they just get sweaty. Except when they get into slanging matches with motorists. If you go out with the right (i.e. wrong) attitude you could have a fight with someone every time. But I'm happy to continue in my own way - if a motorist cuts me up i'll count to ten and ride on by - it's my traffic karma measure - I'll let you know how I get on.

Proper cycle touring - our next challenge....

I've posted plenty about Eroica, which will be our first 'challenge' later in the year - but after that we have designs on a real adventure! Since riding Lands End to John O Groats we've been struggling to find a ride that offers the same sense of trepidation, impossibility and perceived satisfaction. But we have a plan for this year that will, hopefully, tick all the boxes.

We intend to cycle across France - end-to-end, top to bottom, Calais to the Mediterranean - however you care to describe it - it will be a decent test - and comparable to LeJog. We're thinking late August or early September will be the departure date - giving us plenty of time for planning routes and gathering equipment. Unlike LeJog, this time our endeavours will be totally unsupported - no support vehicle, no-one to help us if we get into difficulties - we will carry everything we need: camping gear, cooking equipment, clothes, spare parts, tools etc. In other words - proper cycle touring!

I've got a touring bike already and I'm upgrading the wheels to ensure I'm confident with their load carrying capabilities, I have panniers as well - just need to get the stuff that goes in them! The coming months will see us bickering over which tent will serve us best and who's carrying the cooker! We'll keep you posted on progress and decisions we make as well as updates on the route.

Meantime - here's the bike that will be carrying me!

Spring has arrived!

Wow - spring is here. The moment of quickening, of life surging back. However spring finds you - birdsong, blossom or spawn - it's a signal: the old earth is turning its ancient face back to the sun. Last night and early this morning there was a blackbird flipping and flapping around the house announcing that spring's arrived - the signs have been around for a while, each year I seek them out anxiously and ardently - and each year brings the same joy as the green world starts to grow. Spring is the greatest of seasons.

I've been yearning for brighter, warmer days and at last I'm rewarded - today I cycle in shorts for the first time this year. The winds have paused and I pass ever quicker through lanes veiled in pale-lemon sunlight - the sense of expectation grows with each turn and each subtle extension of the days. Winter is ending.

It's a late afternoon ride; the builders working on converting a row of farm outbuildings and a barn are dusting themselves down and packing up their tools. The two men who walk the lane to Congerstone and back every day are close to home as I pass - but the sun is still shining and the sky is clear save for a few white cobweb like whisps. The ground beyond the hedgerows has a pinky-purple tinge flanked by a hazy luminosity where land, trees and sky merge. Making the most of this tranquil interlude, birds are calling out, chattering and gossiping - organising each other and arranging feathers in accordance with the latest fashions.

The golden glow seems to grow in strength as I pass the halfway mark - seeking out the nooks and crannies of the fields, sneaking in between tree trunks and delving into shadowy recesses. It filters deep through retinas into minds, so bodies shift, heads lift, hearts beat more swiftly, lungs fill and change is sensed. I'm on the homeward stretch now and my ride seems to be nearing its end too soon. This route that I've travelled countless times, that felt so burdensome in the depths of winter now seems trivial. I could go further but I've work that needs to be finished today. But still time to enjoy the lofty blue brightness of the afternoon sky there's a patch of thin white cloud now, like distant sparkling waves. There're skylarks along Derby Lane, joyous voices, euphoric and unrestrained. This stretch of road has open fields to both sides, the tufted grasses are bleached blonde and there are heathers gnarled and frizzled with remnants of bronze bracken fronds scattered here and there. There are bright green shards appearing too - like swords piercing the mesh and tangle. Not yet the vibrant vernal greens of full spring but as though the sudden warmth of the sun has tickled them awake.

The final stretch now - back up to home - 3 miles uphill a chore most of the time but not today. The wooded edge that lines the road displays the royal purple finery of birch branches slowly being replaced by vivid lime brightness. Winter larches are being outfitted in bushy costumes as needled tresses sprout in jade and green - then there's the solemn oaks - their buds opening to reveal light copper tips.

And then I'm home - feeling uplifted and content - the best day out on the bike this year. There's more to come. Bring it on.

Old bikes need old clothes....

Ok - so we have the 'old bikes' all ready for Eroica - and, assuming we accustom ourselves to their idiosyncracies, that part of the adventure is all sorted. The next step is what to wear? There are a whole heap of 'commandments' for this ride that need to be adhered to, number nine of which is clothing for the event.

“Participants must be dressed in vintage or era specific clothing”

That means leave the skin suit at home, So that’s vintage era in, fluro out. Plaid welcome, ziggy zags a no-no. Tweed an honoured guest, aero-tech given the heave-ho.

So the search begins: in the more dubious corners of the web for ‘genuine pre-’87 wool shirts and shorts - with added itch!’ - then there's the shoes, gloves, socks, goggles and what about hats? - helmets, although appeasing the health and safety brigade, look somewhat incongruous for this event? But it’s worth noting that, unlike the bikes themselves, the rules don’t actually stipulate that Eroica apparel be old, or of a certain year, just vintage looking and in-keeping with the historic feeling of the event.

From what I can see (looking at photos and videos of previous gatherings) the majority of participants wear vintage style jerseys - the few that don't stick out like sore thumbs and really needed to try harder - so 'entering into the spirit' is important - it will be worth the effort - and hopefully the expense!

My old shoes!

I've started gathering my bits and pieces - I've got a few vintage style jerseys already - although not made from wool they do at least reflect the vintage period and style. I knew that I had a pair of cycling shoes from my youth - but they remained elusively hidden until recently when I found them tucked away in the loft, sharing space in a box of Lake District books. These shoes are from the late 1970s, made by French company 'Patrick' and carry the monicker of Raymond Poulidor. They are soft kid leather uppers with a leather sole reinforced with steel - and they still have the nailed-on cleats that I used back then - the idea of these shoes anchored onto the pedals and then firmly strapped in place is somewhat scary now - getting feet in and out quickly with this equipment is tricky and will require practise.

I've got a cheap pair of repro aviator sunglasses that look the part - and a collection of peaked cycling hats emblazoned with suitable logos and team names. I've got a nice pair of track mitts - leather palms with crocheted backs and a few pairs of crisp white socks.

I think I'm almost there - but the main thing, the jersey, I'm still undecided on - to some extent it will depend on which bike I ride - I'm thinking the Colnago will be the better option - it's the better bike of the two I have - importantly it has slightly better (easier) gearing. However the Bianchi has better options in terms of apparel - I have some really nice repro Bianchi clothing that would look the part - If I ride the Colnago I could opt for Molteni clothing - as worn by the famous Merckx team from late 60s/70s - this is iconic stuff too - but I think it will be commonplace on the ride. I'll keep searching, perhaps I'll find something irresistible?

My favourite winter garment.... from Aldi!

There's no such thing as bad weather - just the wrong clothing. We've all heard that adage when the winter weather bites - but there have been incredible developments in textiles over the past few years meaning there's a large selection of winter jackets that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable.

A good jacket needs to offer protection from the elements but also deal with body heat and perspiration. Producing products that are not only protective but also breathable has been the key challenge facing garment manufacturers.

Having done some research I opted for a winter soft-shell jacket for this winter - Not the best protection when it comes to out-and-out downpours, but okay in a bit of drizzle, good against wind, warm and also breathable. For most of us the cost of this type of garments is prohibitive - take a look on any of the websites or browse in your local bike shop - it's easy to fork out £150 - £200 or more - especially for name 'brands' with big marketing and advertising budgets. But if you're prepared to forego the cycle snobbery and consider the supermarket discounters I think you could be pleasantly surprised.

I purchased a 'Men's Performance Cycling Jacket' from Aldi last September. It features Storm Guard wind and rain protection, thermal fleece panels for moisture transfer and warmth, 3 back pockets, one with a zip, it has a 'PerEffect' insert for quick drying and moisture transport, 'glow in the dark' reflective panels for safety and it all folds away neatly into its own pocket for storage. It looks and feels pretty good too. Having ridden with it every day for the past few months I am mightily impressed. The only downside has been some of the stitching on leading edges of the rear pockets has come away - easily fixed though. Best part - it was less than £30!!! - I can safely say this has been one of my 'best-buys' in terms of cycling wear.

We're moving swiftly towards spring now so this jacket will soon be packed away until Autumn - but I'll definitely get another one if the chance arises.

Aldi - Men's performance Cycling Jacket - does the job - great price!

Taking the dog for a ride....

The weather has been somewhat kinder for the last couple of days and my ride yesterday was an early start. The warmer temperatures combined with the moisture from recent precipitation has seen some unusually heavy mists around here, mingling with them as I ride my usual 15 mile route, has been a number of farm bonfires. These seem to smoulder on, all day and every day, the light fragrant smoke drifts horizontally over the fields and threads its way through the hedges. The countryside seem to disappear in a dream of pearl coloured vapour from which trees and hedges emerge like islands from a sleeping sea. Only immediately overhead is the sky visible, and the edge of the haze surrounding the blue above catches the beams of reflected sunlight in a charmed ring. All around the the earth seems to ripple with its melting folds of mists. The mystery and quiet beauty of it all seems beyond analysis.

After the thrashing from Storm Doris I'm surprised that there are still hazel catkins hanging limp, waiting. There are daisies too amongst Doris's debris, flowering among storm-strewn branches along the verges. My botanical knowledge is sadly lacking but i do recognise a patch of celandine, like fallen stars, unfolding on the banks next to the canal. Wordsworth was a lover of celandine - seeing them as symbols of the returning sun He used their petals cooked in lard as a treatment for piles and his enthusiasm for them was such that they can be found carved on his gravestone.

As I meander gently along my circular route the early morning sun elicits a kaleidoscopic dazzle of olive, emerald and violet - but on this stretch there's a perishing wind which seems to have persisted for weeks - it pushes through my garments and chills me to the bone. Up ahead I see two cyclists battling the headwind - and although I'm not moving quickly I can see I'm gaining on them. I hang back slightly, not wishing to overtake but soon I'm up behind them. They are a couple, man and wife, he with a large box somehow fixed, precariously, with bungee cords to his bike. He glances round to spot me as I settle in behind and moves into the side to allow me to pass - "It's okay I shout, "just admiring your saddlebag" - he laughs and says something but it's lost in the wind. Then I notice that inside the box is a dog - a Pug to be precise. There is a polythene window at the back of the box and two ventilation slits cut into the sides. The dog looks happy enough though. "He'll go to sleep in a minute" the man informs me.

We chat as we cycle along. The couple have sold up their house and jettisoned their belongings in favour of moving onto a narrowboat moored at Market Bosworth. He tells me how they've spent their first winter cuddled up next to the wood burner that he had installed - "Beautiful warm" he says "Good insulation as well" I'm interested enough to start questioning him about this but unfortunately they turn off at the next junction. As they swing off I can see that the dog has indeed settled and looks to be sleeping.

The barge man - and his dog-box!

We're going to be heroes...

Now that we have our beautiful, classic steel bicycles we need to take to the road and get aquainted with riding them. It has to be said they are somewhat alien to modern machines - and whilst, back in the day, bikes like these were everyday and commonplace - that was 40 years ago - times have changed - the differences are numerous.

For a start there's the handlebars and brakes - the bars are a lot narrower and skinnier than modern counterparts - and the brake hoods a lot smaller. The frame tubings are skinny too so that all-in-all the bike feels smaller and less substantial and the riding position more confined and aggressive than found on current bikes. Then there's the gears - no one-click shifting on these old darlings - changing gear on an old machine is an art in itself and will require some practise - the levers are simply friction controlled - pull down (or push up) and feel for the gear change, trimming accordingly just by feel. Add don't forget the issue with pedals and toe-clips. Instead of modern cleats which are relatively easy to clip in (and out) of the pedal housing, these old bikes utilise a system whereby feet are anchored to the pedals and held in place by leather straps and buckles - demanding considerable forethought to disengage when coming to a stop (I can remember times when I toppled over at junctions and traffic lights because I'd forgotten to undo the straps before coming to a halt).

On top of that the gearing of these old classics is much higher - i.e. harder! - Chainrings at the front are bigger - 53/48 teeth, compared to 50/34 on new bikes and the cogs on the rear wheel much smaller, typically 5 cogs ranging from 14 to 22 teeth - whereas my carbon bike has 10 rear cogs 11-30. This means the bikes will be much harder to move - especially (dread!) going uphill.

So what's the point you may wonder? - Well, high on our bucket list of cycling challenges is to ride 'Eroica Britannia' held each June in the Derbyshire Peaks. We went along to the inaugural
event (as spectators) a few years ago and decided then that it would be a great weekend to take part in. What is 'Eroica' you ask? - It's a cycling event that originated in Italy (Eroica translates as heroic) in 1997 to celebrate the cycling 'heroes' and machines of yesteryear - the beauty of fatigue and the thrill of conquest! - and also to highlight a campaign to preserve the famous Tuscan white gravel roads - the strade bianchi. It's now a globally franchised event with Eroicas in Japan, California, Spain and Holland. Although the centrepiece of the festival is, of course, the bicycle there's plenty to do and see for everyone.  Check out the itinerary and the many photos and video clips here

Get an old bike and we'll see you there!

Classic Bicycles - we join the club!...

When I was at school I rode there every day - and home for lunch and back. Cycling was a major part of the transport infrastructure for teenagers back then. Money was scarce, although I had a paper round that paid the princely sum of £1.00 a week- for that I had to ride probably 10 miles, in all weathers, every day carrying a bag that, on weekends, weighed more than the bike. But for a while the major currency for our gang, and all the kids in our street, was bike bits. I built up two or three bikes by swapping bits here and there. I wanted some Cow horn handlebars? - no problem - cost me a saddle maybe.

Robert Hodges pulled an old bike out of the canal once. You can imagine what it was like - it had probably been there 20 years. It was black, with rod brakes (what was left of them) and with a big chain guard as I recall - a sit-up-and-beg style bike probably from the late 1940s or early 50s. We rebuilt that bike and got it working - he painted a name on the top tube - I can see it now 'Tank'.
When Trevor 'Gibbo' Gibbs turned up one day on his shiny new birthday racer he laughed at Tank - thinking back I suppose it was a bit laughable - but Hodge challenged him to a race there and then. The ride would be up the Lane to the Top Bridge and back - all uphill out and all downhill back. Winner would be the first one back to me and Dave Shrimpton who would be waiting outside my house. From the off they set off at a pace, Gibbo well in front by the time they disappeared around the corner by Mr Wall's shop. Then there was nothing for it but to wait. In my mind the distance was big, although everything seemed bigger then, if I went back now it would probably be no more than three miles total. We waited what seemed an age and then suddenly, reappearing at the top of the road, legs flailing, came Hodge on Tank - with Gibbo 20 yards back. Hodge beat him on that old bike, pulled from the cut - it still seems unbelievable - think Leicester winning the Premiership.

At that time the idea of owning an Italian racing bike with Campagnolo gears was akin to a lottery win. It just didn't happen. We saw pictures in magazines and if we went to Nutty Russell's bike shop in Walsall we'd get to see a couple of machines hanging in the window. The gear changer on the down-tube with the scalloped edges and the word CAMPAGNOLO running down the length was something to be treasured, something I would have loved on my bike - but was simply out of reach. No amount of swapping and exchanging would ever produce those parts - no-one had any Campagnolo kit. Except Gary Vaughan - well not exactly him as it transpired - it seems Gaz's dad had a Claud Butler bike in his garage - a dusty old lightweight racer, in bits - but with Campag gears. Gaz made a deal with Alun 'Wiggo' Williams to sell him the bike. He told him that he and his dad were doing the bike up and he could have it for £10 - He just needed a £5 deposit. Wiggo paid the fiver and looked forward to getting his hands on a dream-machine. Except he never did - Gaz trousered the money - but the bike was never done up. In the end, a few months later, Wiggo and his dad went round to Gaz's one evening to find that no work had been done - in fact Gaz's dad new nothing of it - the money was paid back and Gazza Vaughan got his arse tanned. I don't know what happened to the bike - it could be there still?

All of this bike nostalgia has sat in the far recesses of my mind for years - but I can report that both Gary and I are now the proud owners of some proper steel-racers of yesteryear - and yes - I've got those Campagnolo shifters at last. Here's how it happened.

Gary was riding a sportive in The New Forest with Dave the Damp and Barry the Bell. Riding round the course at one of the feed-stops was a small display by a chap called Mike Spratt who was the sportive mechanic for the day. It transpired that Mike has a small business called 'Vintage Cycle Sport' whereby he restores and sells vintage bicycles - anything you want he can provide it. He had on that display a photograph of a 1959 MacLean Featherweight racer - built in the year Gary was born and about to be restored to pristine condition. Gary decided he had to have it. As soon as I heard I too got in contact - I wanted Italian - Colnago or Bianchi - and with Campagnolo components. Within a few weeks Mike had found a 1976 Colnago Super frame in Italy and had it sent over - perfect! - A Colnago, one of the great names of cycling history - the bikes that Eddy Merckx rode!

After that it all happened fast - within a couple of months Gary and I were travelling down to Hythe to pick up our new (old) machines. When we got there we weren't disappointed - Mike does a fantastic job - he strips the frames back to bare metal, resprays them, matching original colours where possible, and adds new decals and period components to finish the job. They really are something to behold - and treasure. For a while I considered hanging mine on the wall at home! It's like owning a vintage car or steam engine - these bikes have the same allure and more for me.

Since then Dave the Damp has purchased a Bertin, another rider Phil has had his old 'BSA Tour of Britain' machine, that had been languishing in his garden, fully restored. I've purchased a second one - this time a Bianchi and Gary has ordered another bike too. The Midlands boys are keeping Mike busy!!

Here are some pictures of our vintage steeds...

Phil's BSA Tour of Britain

Gary's 1959 MacLean

My 1976 Colnago Super

My 1969 Bianchi Record

Dave's Bertin

Rain, Rain go away....

Splish, splash, splosh - it seems like every time I go out lately I get a thorough drenching. Cycling in the rain is unpleasant at best; tedious and downright miserable the rest of the time. The only saving grace is that no one can see your tears when you're out in the rain.

I set off for a 45 mile round trip last week; at home it was bright and encouraging and the first 10 miles were pleasurable. As I passed through Measham the sky ahead was a steely dark grey, a curtain falling from the heavens like a theatrical backdrop - it didn't look good.

The first drops hit me thirty seconds later and I pulled over to dig out my bright yellow waterproof. Then, in the time it's taken to write these few words i was soaked. Even with the waterproof covering my upper body I felt sodden. Head, hands, legs and feet dripped constantly as I laboured on through Netherseal, Coton and on to Walton. It is said that weather helps shape the character of people - certainly non more so than the English; a long-suffering, phlegmatic, patient people - rather insensitive to surprise, stoical against storms and incredulous at every appearance of the sun. My incredulity seems to have been justified today. As I made my way into Barton under Needwood there were two workmen standing looking at what appeared to be a geyser errupting at the side of the road. The older of the two, a man with a face like a root vegetable brought to life by the occult, signalled me to pass round. I nodded to them as I passed. Then I realised I had a puncture - the rain always has a tendency to incite the puncture bug - and today was perfect conditions.

I was visiting my Mother and was grateful to step into the kitchen and take advantage of the hot radiators. Soon they were covered with an array of sodden clothing and shoes emanating a dense cloud of steam. Love it or hate it one thing is certain, a wet ride is unavoidable at this time of year. It seems I've ridden for days on end in the rain lately. Or life times as it seems in my head. How many words are there for rain? Precipitation, drizzle, mizzle, showers, downpour, raining cats and dogs, spitting, torrential, dribble and deluge. Then there're full suite of 'downs': - pissing, bucketing it, chucking it, pouring, tipping it, pelting, lashing it and sheeting. Man-up many a cyclist will think when looking at the leaden grey sky and shiny roads. Not me, I ride because I want to enjoy it, not suffer it. Cycling is about the journey not the destination. The opposite is true when the heavens open. There's enough to avoid on the roads without having to worry about what lies under that next big puddle. Head down, eyes narrow - there's little chance to enjoy the scenery on a wet ride. But getting caught in the rain is never as bad as setting off in the rain. There's the multi-layers of clothing needed for a start, add to that the unpleasant peeling off of of all those layers when they are soaked at the other end - and worse, the idea of putting those same layers back on, still wet, for the return journey! - not to be cherished.

Anyway, Mum's radiators had at least offered some respite to the dilemma - not only that, in the time I'd been there the weather had changed - there was blue in the sky now - and a few golden rays to lift my spirits for the 25 mile leg to home. I set off in dry clothing with a wide grin - the worst was over.

Except it wasn't.

Five miles out and the rain was back, stinging rain, driving so hard into my face I thought I'd taken a wrong turn into a jet wash. Then there was the wind. Mile upon mile of 20mph headwind, the gusts trying to lift me from my bike. It couldn't get any worse though right? - wrong. Next the puncture bug bit again. I swear it was laughing at me as I rolled into the side. The repair was an arduous task, drippy, slippy freezing fingers combined with mud and oil made the task impossible. I looked for a hedge, not to shelter but to throw the bike over and continue my journey on foot - after all - I couldn't get any wetter. What an absolute drag this ride had developed into. Then the hail started.

By the time I got home I was depleted, defeated. Limbs I last felt some hours ago gradually began to tingle with signs of recovery - loose yet lifeless. Food and sleep are all that's on my mind. Yet this is no one-off - next week the same and the one after and the one after that. But hopefully, pulleeease, no rain!

There's life in those old bikes...

Our bike collections have been building steadily over the past 12 months or so - some exciting additions have been made - I'll go into more detail in later posts - but I wanted to start with my old Dawes Kick-Back.

I've had this bike since the mid 1980s - a steel framed mountain bike, purchased just as mountain biking had become the new craze! It was used sparingly over the next 10 years or so, I rode to work on it a few times: along canal towpaths from Rushall to work in Birmingham, and to work in Lichfield when i had offices there. But then it languished in the shed for 10 years, until we started cycling again around 2008.

This bike cost around £350 back in the day, so not particularly cheap - built from Reynolds steel tube and with Shimano components it was a reasonable set up. Over the years various bits have been replaced of course; it's had a new crankset, new back wheel, various tyre configurations etc, etc. Anyway, the frame was looking particularly tatty, the paint was scratched, flaking or gone. The front and rear derailleur were on their last legs and, generally the bike was tired. With new bikes arriving to populate my bike cave, I did think about throwing this one out or trying to sell it on eBay - but then I decided that I had some time on my hands, I could refurbish the bike, it would be a good exercise in finding parts and doing a total rebuild from the bare frame upwards.

I stripped the bike down, removing all components and carefully labelling them in case they were needed later. Here's the frame - naked!

Next I prepared a sketch of what I wanted, simple, flat colour - green with new decals applied.

I decided to get the frame refinished by Mike Spratt at Vintage Cycle Sport (more about him on later post!) - so the frame was duly packed up and couriered. I also sent the sketch and  a couple of Reynolds tube frame decals that I'd managed to source - Mike would strip the frame entirely, sort out any dings/dents, prime, undercoat and top coat, apply the decals then finish with a top coat of clear lacquer. Here's the sketch of what i wanted.

Meantime I started searching for new parts to rebuild the bike - I decided I may as well replace everything - the bike would be like new and would be good for a few years to come.
I trawled the internet looking for cheap but reliable components - I was amazed at the bargains to be found if you take time to search. I picked up new Shimano rear derailleur, front derailleur, front and back Shimano V-Brakes and 9 speed Shimano rapid-fire shifters. I found green coloured outer cable covers, a new alloy quill stem, new chain and rear cassette - all very cheap. The only things I felt I needed to invest more cash on were wheels and saddle. I decided on a pair of handbill wheels - utilising Ryde Sputnik rims for proven strength and reliability, coupled with Novatec hubs and Sapim spokes - these wheels complete with 9 speed Shimano cassette housing and QR skewers - £140 hand built! - It's amazing the cost of stuff once you step out of that whole carbon/racing/weight arena.

Once I'd got the frame back the build went relatively easily, I spent a pleasurable day setting up the whole thing, cabling up and installing the new V-brakes, installing and configuring the drivetrain and finally taking the bike out for a road test - I've put Marathon Plus tyres on, supposedly puncture-proof - we'll see! - amazingly everything worked just fine. The bike rolls along quietly - in fact it's about the quietest of all my bikes i think?

All-in-all this has been a fantastic exercise - I've effectively got a new bike and I've thoroughly enjoyed the whole process. Total outlay is probably less than £400. In future, when I'm looking for a new bike, I would definitely explore the idea of building one from scratch!

Here's the finished bike... christened 'Kermit' (thanks Gary)

Hello - we're back!....

It's been a while, it feels as though i've been hibernating - which is partially true I suppose. Incredibly there have been no posts on this blog since last August! - sorry about that.

So, what's been happening? how are you all? Lots of stuff has happened since the last blog post - and I'll start posting more regularly to get back on track. Essentially though I was made redundant last year - the next day my mother suffered a brain haemorrhage, she's getting better, slowly, but it's taken a toll. Time has fled by and here we are, spring on the horizon and the new year well underway.

My new year resolution was to ride my bike every day - so far i've managed it; every day out on the bike, in the rain, snow, ice, storm doris... sometimes it's just 2 or 3 miles, sometimes 50.... depends on how I feel, what the weather is like and what else i have to do. But i've clocked up over 800 miles since January 1 - almost as much as I managed in the whole of 2016!

We've got great plans for this year - our annual 'challenges' will continue and we have two big events lined up (more details to follow). And we've got new bikes to tell you about! - all will be revealed!!

I'm keeping this short and sweet - just to get back into the swing.

Feels good to be back though.

Tour de France complete!

Hooray! - it's done

Saturday solo....

I'd planned to meet up with Gary for a ride, we haven't done too many things together this year and the Friday pub session with the usual omnipresent bike-talk made me feel like making the effort . But Gary had to work Saturday morning so we decided to do our own thing. My plan started out as a simple 90 minute meander along my usual route. I have a hankering these days for slowness. I like to look around without the concentration needed when travelling at speed, for then the need to be aware of the road surface along with all that might threaten safe passage is paramount. A man grows older, and my 'new' bike, although a lovely machine, is beginning to feel like a young Valkyrie who wears me out with her prodigious appetite.

I headed out on my bike of choice of late - my trusty Trek 7.5FX. here is an old girl that, if the need arises, can turn a head of speed, but is happy and content to drift along at a more sedate and regal pace. And the added bonus is that there is absolutely no need to snipe at any stray cyclists that enter my no-ride zone. I don't feel the need to chase distance figures or, better still, feel no frustration when attacked from behind by some nifty noughties racer dressed in black on a matt black steed more akin to a stealth fighter plane than a bicycle. Leave them to it I say, let me go slow and watch the butterflies, or stop to admire a beautiful tree. Let me gaze at the immense enveloping green vista stretching out beyond the hedgerows; let me dream of mystery, romance and unfulfilled adventure.

The day is warm and welcoming as the golden glow of another beautiful dawn fades to blue. There's the blended song of blackbird and mistle thrush for the soundtrack and all is well. I feel happy and content and decide I don't want to stop. Instead of turning up the hill and the route home I carry on, still holding the gentle rhythm that seems perfectly natural and rewarding. I mooch around the lanes, stopping occasionally to peer through a gap between trees or to look at the patterns on the bark of a tree. It feels like it should feel. Unhurried and with no pressure of time. I pass a pub and decide to stop, rolling onto the car-park and up to the garden area at the rear. There are people gathered at picnic tables, eating, drinking and enjoying the sunshine. Some children are gathering tufts of grass and leaves to feed the pub chickens housed in a shady corner of the garden. I buy a pint and settle at a table with my bike perched at the end. Then I notice a group of cyclists arriving. Ordinarily this would be an expected, almost typical sight on a sunny Saturday afternoon - but this collection of five are all riding Brompton bikes. What would be the collective noun?..... a clot perhaps? The sight from a distance somehow conjours up a vision of Reliant Robin's and Thermos flasks of Tupperware boxes and cheese sandwiches. As it happens they set up at the next table to me and inevitably a conversation strikes up. The leader of the group is over eager to demonstrate the Brompton offering - that it folds away quickly and neatly and can be easily carried around. He's something of zealot, folding and unfolding the machine with dextrous speed and efficiency, discoursing at length on its lightness and portability as well as the quality of its ride. I was sold - had he have been carrying a spare I may have purchased it there and then. As it was one of his Brompton buddies was indeed carrying another Brompton, neatly stashed in a special bag - this was properly nerdish - a bit of bike-on-bike action - maybe that's what the foldaway perverts really go for! Truth is though there really is a lot going for the Brompton brand. And I have to admit to an element of desire. Come the lottery win there'll definitely be a Brompton somewhere - and it wouldn't take up much space in my dream bike shed. Think of the opportunities - get on a train with the Brommie folded, pop off at some far flung destination, pedal around a bit, get a bus, a ferry, even in a car, pedal some more - and no need to worry about leaving it around to get stolen, this baby goes everywhere you do.

I only stayed for the one beer - I felt the need to cycle along the canal towpath back towards Ashby - at least I think it was towards Ashby? - it was definitely the Ashby Canal. After a mile of so of unhindered bliss I emerged back onto the road and made my way back towards home. But even then I felt the need to carry on - back at the foot of the hill that would take me home I ignored the turning yet again - this time happy to simply repeat the first 10 miles of my journey instead. And every mile was just as enjoyable as the first time round. To be honest I can't remember a ride I've enjoyed more. The conditions were just perfect; beautifully calm and warm but not oppressive. I approached the hill turn for the third time. This time I stopped at the foot and wondered whether to carry on - 45 miles covered and I felt I could easily cover the same again. But by now it was 2.00pm - I'd been out since early morning and reality was beginning to influence my judgement. Too much of a good thing and all that. So I set off for home, but with a smile on my face.

As the Olympics moves on, I'm still stuck at the Tour de France...

Everyone's favourite Brit cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins added an eighth Olympic medal to his impressive collection - well done Brad. Apparently he'll now ride the Tour of Britain in September followed by a London Six-Day and the Ghent Six Day - and that'll be it - Bradley will retire, as the most successful and well liked British cyclist of all-time. And it's true I think - the breadth of his success is what seals the deal - All those track medals, World Championships, Olympics, World Records - then the switch to the road and winning the Tour de France, The Olympic Time Trial Gold, The Hour record, then back to the track for more medals... its an impressive list. But what about retirement? - there's a rumour that he's going to reform The Jam???

Meanwhile I'm making good progress with the Tour puzzle... another couple days should sort it ....

 

Ride London 2016

I didn't get a place in this year's Ride London event - as it happens I wouldn't have been able to ride anyway, we had a family christening to attend - with me as the photographer for the day!

Gary, Dave the damp, Baz the bell and newbie, Paul from over the border (as opposed to Paul from over the road, and because he lives in Shropshire - which is almost Wales!) travelled down to take part - for my part I downloaded the 'Ride London App' and managed to load up the guys so I could track their progress during the day via the interactive map of the course - technology is so sweet! - I had four little blue circles on my map, lined up on the start-line, each with the rider's initials displayed.

Now back behind the camera - church, vicar etc etc

I checked progress through the day - technology is sweet... just as long as it works. It seemed to me that the promise of interactive tracking had been something of a hollow promise on behalf of the developers - Despite rigourous checking, closing the app, restarting the app, shutting down and restarting the iphone - my little blue blobs didn't move past the first check point.

Back to the camera - group shots, family, friends etc etc

Later I checked again - this time a few of the circles had moved a short way - but one seemed to be stuck? - Was it the app? - Did I need wifi? - I hooked up to Google and did a quick search for Prudential Ride London - I soon discovered that a couple of serious accidents had halted proceedings out on the road - air ambulances had been involved to lift the injured to hospital and the knock-on effect, with something like 30,000 cyclists on narrow roads, was massive delays. It seemed like the app was giving me good representation after all.

Back to the camera - post christening now - barbecue etc etc...

I kept checking throughout the day - right up to a time I figured they should have completed the course - the little blue blobs were still out there - but gradually creeping along. Later I could see that three had finished together but with Paul from over the border still out - at least that's what the app said. Then I got a text from Gary telling me they'd finished but the delays had been considerable and they'd had to walk for some considerable distance.

It's a shame when this sort of thing happens - and it seems that something happens every year at Ride London. Although this was only the fourth year, there's been representation from this blog at the event for three of those years and each has thrown up reasons for delays or diversions from the course. First time torrential rain caused part of the course to be closed, last year someone sadly died on Leith Hill and this year a couple of serious accidents - I don't think there's anything the organisers could do to alleviate any of these unfortunate incidents - and with so many riders on the road consequential delays are somewhat inevitable. Of the reports I've seen so far riders were patient and typically stoical in their outlook - which is how it should be.

Camera work all done - just the post-shoot editing to tackle - almost 600 photographs to be looked at, edited and stripped down to around 100 maximum. That will keep me busy for a few evenings this week.

Meantime the 'Tour' is making slow progress too.....

...bit further

Progress so far - the peloton will begin emerging soon!

I'm doing the Tour de France.....

..... in....er......Jigsaw format.

Its amazing the bargains that can be found in the hidden corners of your local 'The Works' - check it out.....

Ok - let's get going....

So far so good - not too many hills either. Further reports to follow!

 

Chris Froome - one of the greats?....

As Chris Froome crossed the line arm-in-arm with his Team Sky teammates to confirm his victory in the 2016 Tour de France he joins a small, elite group of cyclists and becomes Britain's first ever three-time winner.

Froome becomes only the eighth man to win three or more Tours - and will now have his sights set on the record jointly held by Jaques Anquetil, Miguel Indurain, Bernard Hinault and Eddy Merckx - All five-time winners of sports most grueling prize.

Eddy Merckx sent out a stark message to the rest of the cycling world last week. He does not see anyone capable of beating Chris for the next few years. He added that he was impressed by Froome - but not by his rivals.

"Chris Froome is a very great champion" said the Belgian legend " I think he can win more Tours. If you look at the guys who are behind him, I don't see anyone who can beat him in the next years. He's complete; a good time-triallist, good at ascents, he's overall, he's the best of the moment - even his teammates are as strong as his rivals"

The last point is perhaps the bone of contention that has emerged this year as far as Froome and Sky are concerned. With speculation regarding the legitimacy of Froome's performances far less pronounced than in 2013 and 2015 - largely because of the way he built his lead this year - on descents and time trials and flat stages - attention has turned to the power of the Sky team, with bitter rivals complaining that Sky have bought up an army of potential grand-tour winners and got them all working for the three-time champion.

There is a truth to it. Sky's .'pain-train' at the front of the peloton keeps the pace high - even on climbs - daring anyone to have a go and put themselves in the red - and then shutting them down if they do. Sky undoubtably have the numbers and talent to control things - with four riders in the top 20 of the general classification.

None of this is a concern for Sky though - quite right! - It is up to others to come up with a plan to stop them. No other team, seemingly, came with a game plan even to try?. As Chris Froome pointed out - no other team have eight riders working with the sole purpose of getting their team leader to Paris in as quick a time as possible.

Geraint Thomas added - "Maybe its boring? - but we don't get paid to make it an exciting  - we get paid to win the race"

Whatever - there'll be teams working on a strategy to break down Sky's dominance - and that will make things more exciting - but I'm hoping Sky will hold out - Chris Froome is one of cycling greats and I'd love to see him become a five-time winner.

What would it be like to ride a stage of the Tour?...

As Gary and I hunt around for future cycling challenges it suddenly occurred to me - riding an official stage of the Tour de France - a day or so before the professionals - that would be one to remember.

The chance to feel part of it, to ride the same routes under the same conditions, the roads closed, spectators cheering us on.... it might be worth thinking about?

You'll get the idea here.....

Tales from the Tour.....

As this years Tour heads gently towards an ignonimious, Cav-Free finale, I wonder whether it's all become a bit banal? - where's the drama? Apart from the farcical day on the Ventoux there's not been a great deal of spectacle so far? There's been a few minor crashes but nothing like the usual skin lacerating affairs. I suppose it makes a change. Since the race started in 1903 there has been hardly a year where riders (or their supporters) haven't resorted to dubious methods to ensure success.

The second tour, in 1904, was one of the most scandalous. Riders were punished for skulduggery including taking shortcuts and using cars and trains. Others, such as race favourite Maurice Garin, were beaten up by their rivals' supporters. The following year saw nails being strewn on the course, a practice that continued for several more Tours.

Tales of riders seeking chemical assistance began to make the news in the 1920s when brothers Francis and Henri Pélissier (the 1923 Tour winner) boasted to a journalist that they had...

 "cocaine to go in our eyes, chloroform for our gums, and do you want to see the pills? We keep going on dynamite. In the evenings we dance around our rooms instead of sleeping."

 Needless to say, the Pélissier brothers were French cycling heroes. While not all competitors relied on "dynamite", it was common practice for Tour cyclists to drink alcohol during the race until the 1960s, when the French passed a law forbidding the use of stimulants in sport. However, the British rider Tom Simpson reportedly drank brandy before his death on Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour.

Stories of other methods of assistance, especially in the mountain stages, regularly crop up. A 1938 article described how a former champion was praised for making a miraculous recovery – only for it to be later revealed that he was hanging on to the back of a car. In 1955 the Guardian reported a long list of riders who had been fined for receiving an "unsolicited push" from spectators.

Meanwhile, in 1950, the French government had to apologise to Italy when drunk spectators blocked the road in the Pyrenees and threatened favourite Gino Bartali, forcing the Italian team to withdraw. Even more extreme was the case of the "fan" who punched five-times Tour winner Eddy Merckx in the kidneys during the 1975 race. Merckx finished the stage, but his attempt to win a sixth Tour was fatally damaged.

Doping tests were introduced in the mid-60s and so began a long history of riders trying to fool the doctors. One infamous case was that of Michel Pollentier who was disqualified in 1978, after it was discovered that he had an elaborate system of tubes running from his armpit to his penis containing clean urine.

Recent drug scandals have included cases of riders using testosterone. Perhaps they should have taken note of Italian cyclist Mario Cipollini who used a more natural method to boost his supply of the male hormone – taping a picture of Pamela Anderson to his handlebars.